A Student’s Guide
Studying on a Cardiff Met programme at a partner institution
We are a community of people who are passionate about our specialist subject areas...
Welcome from Professor Rachael Langford President & Vice Chancellor
This is a university that places students at its heart through our studentcentred, practice focused and professionally oriented education. Whatever your chosen course of study I’m confident that by working in partnership with you we will support you to achieve your full potential and enable you to make outstanding graduate-level contributions to your own and future generations.
In December 2021 Cardiff Metropolitan University received the UK’s most prestigious award in higher education, the title of Times Higher Education UK and Ireland University of the Year 2021 and this award was made in recognition of both the significant improvements that staff and students have delivered in recent years and our response to the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic. A year later, in December 2022, Cardiff Met was named the UK’s Number 1 University in the People and Planet Green League 2022/23 for Ethical and Sustainable Environments.
Both Covid-19 and the climate emergency have demonstrated beyond doubt just how interconnected our world is. These global crises also emphasise the importance of education, science, innovation and international co-operation in ensuring that we can all live in peace, safety and prosperity around the globe. As our world continues its post-Covid recovery it is education, research and discovery, together with new and creative ways of thinking, that will play a central role in ensuring the future economic, social and environmental wellbeing of our planet and its people.
Our origins in the Cardiff School of Art & Sciences, and dating back to 1865, have established a rich environment in which creativity is highly prized. Our outlook, our research and our mind-set prioritise innovation. Our unique and successful approach to internationalisation enables us to advocate for inclusivity from a position of strength and we develop our partnerships from a position of trust. We are all committed to championing the principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy and these university values and principles are lived through the behaviour of our talented staff and students, by our leadership, courage, accountability and agility in working productively with each other and with our stakeholders and collaborative partners to tackle the challenges faced by our world in 2024/25. We are one community; we are the ambitious, competitive, compassionate and globallyminded Cardiff Met.
My colleagues and I look forward to working with you to develop your subject knowledge and to give you the Cardiff Met EDGE: our wider set of Ethical, Digital, Global and Entrepreneurial skills, confidence and resilience that will ensure you thrive throughout your life and not just while studying with Cardiff Met.
We are a community of people who are passionate about our specialist subject areas: art and design; business and management; education and social policy; sport and health sciences; and digital, data and design technologies in addition to the increasingly important inter-disciplinary connections between disciplines and subject fields.
My colleagues are here to support you develop your passion for learning, research and innovation and this handbook provides the basic information you require to access the support available. Specific information relating to your programme of study is provided separately and you will receive additional information when you enrol and participate in the induction process at the beginning of your first term.
This handbook should be your reference guide and first port of call if you have any questions. Your Programme Director, Personal Tutor, Student Services staff and all my other colleagues are also ready to answer your questions so please do ask if you need support or simply require information.
Every member of staff at Cardiff Met is here to ensure you have an outstanding experience as a student and that we enable you to achieve your dreams. We welcome your views and questions, and we seek to act on your feedback through our extensive student representation system. I myself look forward to meeting you and hearing from you during your time at Cardiff.
Professor Rachael Langford President and Vice-Chancellor
...we really want to enhance student engagement and the sense of community, ensuring equality, and prioritising the key areas that matter...
Welcome!
We are your Students’ Union officers Daniel Flaherty, Student President and Rewathi Viswanatham SU Vice President Education for the 2024/25 academic year.
Together, we're here to support you in every aspect of your university life and ensure you make the most out of your time at Cardiff Met, just like we have during our own journeys here.
Our role is to represent you at the highest levels within the university, making sure your voices are heard, and your needs are met. We serve as a Student Governors within the university, and members of the Academic Board, working to advocate for all Cardiff Met students.
To know more about us and our priorities, please visit the below link: www.cardiffmetsu.co.uk/reps/
The Students' Union (SU) is an independent body, dedicated to supporting every student across both campuses. The moment you enrolled at Cardiff Met, you automatically become a part of our diverse SU community.
Throughout this academic year, we really want to enhance student engagement and the sense of community, ensuring equality, and prioritising the key areas that matters your student experience at Cardiff Met. Our goal is always to keep a student-focused approach by both the SU and University.
We encourage you to reach out to the Students’ Union at any time and explore all the incredible services, as a TNE student we can support you with student voice matters and via our SU Advice service.
To learn more about what the Students’ Union has to offer, visit our website at www.cardiffmetsu.co.uk, or feel free to contact us directly at dflaherty@cardiffmet.ac.uk (Student President) and rviswanatham@cardiffmet.ac.uk (SU Vice President Education).
Thank you for choosing Cardiff Met, and we wish you all the best in your academic journey.
About Cardiff Metropolitan University
Located in an exciting, modern European capital city, Cardiff Metropolitan University is a global university. We provide education and training opportunities that are accessible, flexible and of the highest quality to students from over 140 countries worldwide.
Five academic schools:
Cardiff School of Art & Design
Cardiff School of Education & Social Policy
Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences
Cardiff School of Management
Cardiff School of Technologies
All our schools specialise in courses that are career orientated and have been designed in conjunction with business and industry. Each school is also heavily involved with research and commercial activities in their fields. Our academic teams are at the forefront of their fields and are supported in developing their knowledge and skills through the university’s staff review and development scheme.
The university’s approach to learning, teaching and assessment is underpinned by high quality academic standards, working in partnership with students, the development and embedding of technology-enhanced learning and assessment, and research informed teaching. Our objective is to develop creative, resilient and sought-after graduates with aptitudes, skills and experiences that enable them to make an impact in their chosen profession or pathway.
A Global University
Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be associated with a number of high-calibre partners in the UK and internationally. The University's close alliance with its UK based and overseas partners offering our programmes in a number of countries including, Greece, Bulgaria, Lebanon, India, Egypt, Korea, China, Morocco, Oman, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Singapore means that students from over 120 countries are able to study Cardiff Metropolitan University degrees.
Our objective is to develop creative, resilient and sought-after graduates with aptitudes, skills and experiences that enable them to make an impact in their chosen profession or pathway.
Key facts/why study with us?
Cardiff Metropolitan University has been ranked as the best university in the UK for sustainability in People & Planet’s Green League 2022/23. People & Planet’s Green League is the only comprehensive and independent league table of all UK universities ranked by environmental and ethical performance.
In September 2023 Cardiff Metropolitan University has its highest ranking in The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide for a decade. The new ranking of 78 is 15 places higher than last year. Cardiff Met was also named runner-up Welsh University of the Year.
Cardiff Met’s first place position in the People and Planet’s Green League 2022/23, the only comprehensive and independent league table of all UK universities ranked by environmental and ethical performance, also contributed to the rise in the ranking.
A Reputation for Quality in Teaching.
The latest Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) report (2021) commended Cardiff Met for our achievements in many areas, including proactive approaches to increase levels of support to students during the pandemic and the enhancement of the quality of the student learning experience. To have five commendations from the QAA is outstanding and a reflection of the excellent work that staff, students, the Students’ Union and partners across Cardiff Met do to support the student learning journey.
Enhancing the Student Experience. Cardiff Metropolitan University was announced in November 2023 as the latest university to become a Founder Member of ProtectED – the award-winning national initiative, raising standards in student safety, and security in the higher education sector.
Cardiff Metropolitan brings the student experience of over 11,000 learners from more than 143 countries within the scope of the ProtectED Code of Practice.
Making our Students Employable.
Through work placement programmes, the promotion of student entrepreneurship and our focus on employability has ensured that 95.6% of our graduates secure employment or enter further study within six months of graduation**Destination of Leavers in Higher Education (DLHE) 2015
Strong International
Links.
Through our strong international links, we educate over 16,000 students from more than 140 countries worldwide.
Internationally Recognised Research.
Results from the latest REF 2021 showed that 70% of our overall submission was judged to be either Internationally Excellent or World Leading, with all UoAs containing World Leading research. Across the whole submission, over 79% of our Impact and 70% of our Environment were judged to be either Internationally Excellent or World Leading.
Further information can be found at https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/research/ref/Pages/default.aspx
To find out more about the university, please visit: www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/aboutus
Cardiff Metropolitan University and Collaborative Provision
Through its degree awarding powers the University is able to award degrees for programmes delivered collaboratively with partner institutions. The University and its partners develop and deliver these programmes through the five Academic Schools of the University with the support of the Global Engagement and the University’s various support departments. We currently work with a small number of partner institutions in the UK and overseas, with which we deliver programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Details of the University’s partners can be found on our partnership pages at: https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/partners hips/Pages/default.aspx
What is an approved partner institution?
You are studying at an institution which, following a rigorous process, has been approved by the University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to a Cardiff Metropolitan University award. Institutions are ‘re-approved’ on a regular basis to ensure that they continue to meet the University’s criteria in terms of procedures and resources for teaching, learning and assessment, staffing and staff development, academic organisation and internal quality assurance systems.
What is a Cardiff Metropolitan University programme or award?
You are studying on a programme quality assured by the University, which, if you complete it successfully, will lead to a Cardiff Metropolitan University award. Cardiff Metropolitan University approval means that your programme is equivalent in level and standard to similar awards offered throughout UK higher education. Your award is the same as a Cardiff Metropolitan University award granted to students studying on campus in Cardiff in terms of employment and application for postgraduate study.
How does the University ensure programme quality and standards?
The University assures itself of the standard and quality of its programmes through the following mechanisms:
The programme approval and review processes which involve a panel of experts from the University and at least one external member. In order to reach a decision about whether or not to approve a programme, the panel has detailed discussions with the management team, staff team and students, and considers the proposed curriculum, staffing, student support and resources. Any subsequent changes to the programme must be approved by the University and
programmes are reviewed regularly. You may find that during your time at your institution, you may be asked to speak to a panel as part of a review event.
The University’s ongoing quality assurance procedures. In order to deliver a Cardiff Metropolitan University programme partner institutions must adhere to the University’s quality assurance procedures including double marking of assessments, approval of draft assessments, appointment of external examiners by the University, student feedback mechanisms and annual monitoring. Your institution is required to produce an annual report to the University which is one of the ways in which the University can monitor the institution’s quality assurance procedures and ensure that any concerns are addressed.
External examiners appointed to every programme. These examiners ensure that the standard of the University’s awards is maintained and that your assessment has been fair and just. All external examiners produce reports which are considered by both the institution and the University. The University monitors these reports and the institution’s response to assure itself that the quality and academic standards of the programme is being maintained.
Link Tutors and Moderators are appointed to every programme. These are members of Cardiff Metropolitan University academic staff who take responsibility for the academic management of the relationship with a given collaborative partner for an agreed subject area and related programmes. The Link Tutor or Moderator will work closely with the Partner and University to ensure that the programmes offered are of the highest possible standard and that students have access to a comparable learning experience to their counterparts on-campus. You will have opportunities to meet with Link Tutors and Moderators during your time at your institution, and to give your views to them in confidence.
Regular visits to the partner and regular communication ensure that the University works closely with staff at the partner institution to maintain the quality of the student experience and the standards of the programme. Moderators and Link Tutors visit partners twice per year to meet with staff and students and attend Exam Boards and programme committee meetings. Additional visits by members of the University’s central support units and senior University staff also take place and ensure a robust relationship is maintained.
What is my relationship with Cardiff Metropolitan University?
You are enrolled as a Cardiff Metropolitan University Student. The University publishes a Student Charter which summarises the commitments that the University and Student Union make to students and also the key expectations of students. The Student Charter is available at:
https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/about/st ructureandgovernance/Pages/student -charter.aspx
As a Cardiff Metropolitan University student you are subject to many of the same regulations, rules and procedures and benefits as a student studying on campus in Cardiff. This includes the University’s mitigating circumstances procedure, unfair practice procedure, appeals procedure, complaints procedure, student union support and learning resources. Details can be found in the Student Handbook and helpful guides are available through the Students Union, see:
https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/study/st udentservices/Pages/StudentHandbook.aspx
Your programme of study will be governed by the University’s academic regulations and these can be found in the Academic Handbook:
https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/registry /academichandbook/Pages/default.as px
Responsibility for areas such as accommodation and fees are delegated to the partner institution and will be outlined in the programme handbook you receive from your institution.
What Cardiff Metropolitan University services are available to me?
Our approval process requires that institutions have the necessary services you need to help you with your studies. In addition, we have a number of resources available online, which you may find useful.
MetSearch
For the duration of your course, Cardiff Met’s multi-million-pound (£) e-library and search engine, MetSearch, is available 24 hours a day, all year round, regardless of where in the world you study. For direct access to MetSearch, go to: metsearch.cardiffmet.ac.uk (remember to sign in – see top right of web page).
We strongly urge you to make the most of this valuable resource during your course as it contains high quality academic information. Search and access 1000s of eBooks and Journals, 100+ databases specific to your degree, and 1000s of newspapers, pictures, videos, audiobooks, and more.
Cardiff Met’s multi-million-pound e-library and search engine, MetSearch, is available 24 hours a day, all year round, regardless of where in the world you study.
Library Services Website
We have brought all information about Cardiff Met’s Library and IT Services together in one place, our newly redesigned Library website. The best starting point is our Library Essentials section. Also, please visit our page dedicated to Information for Students at Partner Colleges and our Subject Guides to get you started in finding information relevant to your School and Degree.
Our Academic Practice hub has many skills guides for enhancing academic success, including academic writing, referencing, critical thinking, etc. For more advanced skills on finding and using academic sources, please see our Discovery@CardiffMet hub.
Find Help
Our Find Help hub is the central point for all of the ways to contact us for Library or IT support.
Repository/Dspace
Figshare, Cardiff Met's digital archive of past dissertations and scholarly output: https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/ research/Pages/Repository.aspx
Student Services
The University’s student services team are able to offer a range of advice on career development, disability support, finance and welfare issues. Contact details are available on the student services web pages: cardiffmet.ac.uk/study/studentservice s/Pages/default.aspx
Students’ Union
As a student at Cardiff Metropolitan University you are also part of Cardiff Metropolitan University Students Union. Information on the services and support that the Student’s Union can provide can be found here: cardiffmetsu.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
Q: Where will I be registered?
A: You will be registered as a student at your institution who will register you with Cardiff Metropolitan University. On registration with the University you will receive a Cardiff Metropolitan University student number, email address and a welcome email with important information on how to access the University’s electronic resources.
You are also entitled to a digital student ID card from the University, your institution can arrange this for you.
Q: Who is responsible for induction and any advice I might need?
A: Your institution will arrange induction for you and will have appropriate services for advice and guidance on all matters whether academic, financial or personal.
You may also contact the University’s Student Union for guidance and advice and the University’s various departments. Contact details of the University’s various departments are located in the Student Handbook.
https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/ about/Pages/Contact-Us.aspx
Q: Where can I find information on my programme, regulations and support services?
A: Information on which University regulations are applicable to you can be located in the Student Handbook Guide for Students Studying at a Partner Institution located at the below link.
https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/ partnerships/Pages/StudentInformation.aspx
Your programme of study will be governed by the University’s academic regulations and these can be found in the Academic Handbook: https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/re gistry/academichandbook/ Pages/default.aspx
The programme handbook provided to you by your institution at induction will contain information relating to local support services and your programmes content.
Q: What should I do if I want to make a complaint?
A: If you are unhappy with any aspect of your experience and wish to make a complaint you should first try and resolve your complaint through the mechanisms that are in place at your local institution. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, your institution has
complaints procedures which you should follow. These procedures should be available in the programme handbook provided to you by your institution at induction. Once you have completed these procedures, if you are still not satisfied you may complain to the University directly. A helpful guide to navigating the University’s complaints procedure is available on the Student Union website: https://www.cardiffmetsu.co.uk/ support/academic/
Q: Who is responsible for assessing my performance?
A: Your institution is normally responsible for setting and marking assessments but this is done in conjunction with the University Moderator or Link Tutor and University appointed External Examiner, to ensure fairness. For this reason you may be given provisional marks following the marking of an assessment which are subject to final approval following review by the External Examiner and confirmation at an Exam Board.
Q: How do I appeal against an academic decision?
A: As the awarding body for the programme, all academic appeals must be made through the University’s appeal procedure. Appeals will only be considered on very specific grounds and appeals which
question the academic judgement of examiners will not be considered.
A helpful guide to navigating the University’s appeals procedure is available on the Student Union website: https://www.cardiffmetsu.co.uk /support/academic/
Q: What will happen if I need to leave my programme early?
A: You may be eligible for an intermediate award for your achievements up to that point if you have accumulated sufficient credits. Discuss this possibility with your institution. It may apply to the University on your behalf for an intermediate award. It may be possible to use this credit to get exemption from aspects of another programme within the institution or elsewhere. You will also be entitled to a transcript showing the complete record of your learning and achievement up to the point at which you left the programme.
Q: What protection do I have if the Partner Institution is unable to continue to the deliver my programme of study?
A: Suitable arrangements will be made to ensure that all students studying on any Programme are able either to complete their studies or to be offered an alternative method of completing their studies.
Your institution will arrange induction for you and will have appropriate services for advice and guidance on all matters whether academic, financial or personal.
Q: What happens when I successfully complete my programme?
A: On successful completion of your programme, you will receive a certificate and transcript. The certificate will include your name, the award and the date the award was conferred. Please note that all award certificates will follow the UK format and will be printed with the student's forename followed by their surname. The University coat of arms, crest and logo will appear on the certificate, which will be signed by the Vice-Chancellor. You will also receive a Transcript which (in line with the UK Quality Assurance Agency guidance) will record the local institution at which you studied and a breakdown of your modules and marks. Finally, you will be invited to a graduation ceremony held in Cardiff. Details of the University’s graduation ceremonies can be found at: https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/ registry/graduation/Pages/ default.aspx
As for the next steps…
You may be able to use the credits or award you have gained to continue your study at the institution, at the University, or elsewhere. If you are an international student and you wish to enquire about transfer opportunities to study at Cardiff Metropolitan University you should contact the International & Partnership Office. Further information can be found at: https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/internat ional/Pages/default.aspx
If you are a UK student you should contact the relevant School through the University website.
You may join the Cardiff Metropolitan University Alumni Association. Membership is automatic on graduation, opening up a wealth of opportunity. With links to over 70,000 alumni in the UK and around the world, who knows where your next conversation might take you? https://alumni.cardiffmet.ac.uk/login
Where can I find further information about Cardiff Metropolitan University and Partnerships?
Further information is available online or by contacting us:
You can access the University’s website at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk
If you wish to find out more information about the University’s partnerships you can visit: www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/partnerships/ Pages/default.aspx
Contact us
International & Partnership Office e: partnerships@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Cardiff Metropolitan University Western Avenue, Cardiff CF5 2YB t: +44 (0)29 2041 6070
e: askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk cardiffmet.ac.uk
